BY JANICE JOHNSTON

Welcome 2020. The calendar is blank, a fresh canvas to fill with reflections of your “self.” Is this the year you discover the joys of volunteering your time and talents? We can help you with that.

We believe in the power of volunteering and helping others and can’t imagine a world where people did not reach out to those in need. It’s never too late to start.

Here are some quotes we take to heart:

  • “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
  • “I volunteer. What’s your superpower?”
  • “Volunteers are seldom paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”
  • “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
  • “Here’s to all volunteers, those dedicated people who believe in all work and no pay.”

There are many reasons to volunteer. Maybe you feel good helping others. Studies suggest it has a positive effect on the volunteer’s mental, physical and social wellbeing.

Possibly, you recently retired or you’re a student needing community service hours to fulfill a graduation requirement. You could be involved in a program that requires community engagement.

Whatever your motivation, there’s an almost unlimited range of opportunities awaiting you in Schuylkill County. Look around. Reach out. Find a need that appeals to you.

We’ve been Schuylkill County’s volunteer center since 1995. One of our best tools to help volunteers to find their perfect volunteer position is our website database at www.schuylkill.us/cvia, where you’ll find user-friendly volunteer opportunities, organization descriptions and other information to help you find that perfect fit. We can also be found on Facebook.

There are several ways you can help others. The easiest and most obvious way to support our local social systems is to share your time and talents. Nonprofits are looking for more than your typing skills. Do you have a special talent, like a creative eye or play a musical instrument? These skills are quite valuable to an art center or nursing home. Would you consider helping someone with their reading skills to help improve their quality of life?

Another option is to give a monetary donation. While the economy may be thriving for some, there are others who are still struggling. Human Services providers and nonprofits try their best to provide the most services while keeping costs down. They could use the additional funding in the manner they deem the most prudent to help them fill the gaps.

You can also donate items to an agency. There’s always a need for food donations. You can easily buy a few extra cans of vegetables, soup, fruit, peanut butter and tuna (good sources of protein), oatmeal, cereal and other nutritious food items and drop them off at your local food pantry. Or, you could give a monetary donation so they could purchase vital items not donated. Animal shelters could use your old towels. A shelter could use clothing you’ve replaced. Think before you toss.

Congratulations if 2020 is your year to discover the joys of giving back to the community. An hour here, an afternoon there or you can “adopt” a nonprofit and give them steady assistance. Contact your favorite nonprofit to see what their needs are. You’ll both be glad you did.

Community Volunteers in Action is the volunteer center for Schuylkill County. Use the preceding contact information for those specific opportunities and search other listings on our website at www.schuylkill.us/cvia. Find us on Facebook. Call us at 570-628-1426 or email jjohnston@co.schuylkill.pa.us.